Fall in Photos

I love everything about the fall – the colors, traditions and celebrations.   Here are some of my favorite fall photos taken over the last few years.

Apartment view - October 2015, Silver Spring, MD

Lunchtime walk - October 2015, Rockville, MD

London Eye -  November 2014, London, England

Whole Foods - October 2014, Silver Spring, MD

Double Rainbow - October 2014, Rockville, MD

Park across from my apartment - November 2013, Washington, DC

Runner up to a superhero (Halloween contest) -
October 2013, Washington, DC

Morning walk and a fright
October 2013, Washington, DC

Pumpkin carving contest at work -  October 2011, Atlanta, GA

My home and my reflection - September 2011, Tucker, GA 

Arabia Mountain Trail - Fall 2010, Lithonia, GA

Arabia Mountain Trail with Arlene, Fall 2010

Stone Mountain Park - November 2010, Stone Mtn, GA

Leaving Work - October 2009, Atlanta, GA

Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.  William Cullen Bryant

Happy Hours

It’s not often that I go to happy hour.   People crowded into tight spaces, noise, chatter and boisterous glee – this is not what I need at the end of a long workday.   For me to unwind and recharge, I like to be alone.  Most days, I scurry home to my woman cave.  But every now and then, I crave something different.   So, here I am, off to happy hour.

Exiting at Gallery Place-Chinatown, I make my way up 7^th street.  Seventh Street is its usual carnival of activity. Cars and buses fill the street with their obligatory honking.   People on foot are rushing to get somewhere until slowed by dazed tourists.  And bicycles brazenly cut through it all.  But it’s Friday, and a little more mayhem, somewhere between kids on the last day of school and animals escaping the zoo.

  

I arrive at La Tasca and I’m pleasantly surprised.  There is a sea of dark wood throughout – the flooring, tables, chairs and the bar.   Large, wrought-iron chandeliers hang from the ceilings.   The restaurant is warmed by golden walls.   Red and yellow accented décor remind me that LaTasca has brought Spain to downtown Washington. 

After excusing my way up to the crowded bar, I find James and Hilda.  James greets me with his usual “Heyyyy…KayKay!”  James I’ve known for almost 20 years, and Hilda I only know through James.  A few times a year I go out with them and experience something new.  I once went with them on a bar crawl which was cool until we reached the third or fourth bar, a club with 3 floors.  Shortly after entering, I knew I had had enough.  When they went to another floor, I headed straight to the exit.  Via text, I bid James adieu.

After settling in beside Hilda I look over the menu.  I don’t usually fool around with sangria but La Tasca has seven sangrias on their happy hour menu.  Hilda, a connoisseur of happy hour, says the sangria they’re drinking won’t bother me.  Although my stomach wasn’t convinced, I follow Hilda’s suggestion.  There are only 2 bartenders behind this very long bar and they spastically move from one customer to the next.   Without much effort, Hilda gets the attention of one of the bartenders and orders another pitcher of sangria and my dinner of mini empanadas and calamari from the $4 happy hour tapas menu. 

The three of us chat about everything but nothing in particular.  Hilda and James have been here for 2 hours before my arrival enjoying their sangrias and appetizers.   They had caught up on their lives since last seeing one another.  Hilda’s ability to get the attention of the bartender was impressive and we tease her about it.   Most of our fun is in watching the bartenders and the happy hour patrons crammed around the bar.  These patrons were mostly young professionals and they dressed as if they took their young professional jobs seriously.  We, on the other hand, are not that; but can appreciate those not-so-good-ol-days. 

James went to check the meter and soon after, Hilda and I find ourselves discussing men and dating.  I smiled at the thought of two single gals at a bar talking about men and dating – a bit stereotypical but great fodder for happy hour.  We giggled, raised eyebrows, and pursed our lips as we talked.   We took a more whimsical approach to our single status instead of war stories and hopeless resignation. James has returned and we finish off the last pitcher of the evening.  James asks “Ya’ll ready to go?” which was a statement that it was time to leave.  We made our way out of the restaurant that was still packed with those that had come for happy hour. 

Hilda and I headed to the train station and the last thing I said to James was, “I hope I make it home ok.”   Pointing at me, he answered, “Look, all you have to do is get on the train.”   I nodded like a younger sibling receiving step-by-step instructions.   But first I had to keep up with the fast pace and chirpy conversation of Hilda.  All of this, I did; in spite of a queasy stomach and the dizzy detachment from the happy hour sangrias. 

On the train, I sat back and relaxed; smiling at these last few hours.  I was happy to make it to the metro and down the escalator, amidst moving people and morphed objects.  Happier still, that the contents of my stomach remained intact and in my stomach.  I really enjoyed myself as I was with friends - talking about nothing, eating, drinking, laughing, living.   It was our time to caste off or delay the worries of this life.  Once home, I texted James to let him know that I had made it home and that I was alive.   He said he was glad that I came out.  I texted, “Me too! I had fun!  Imagine that.” To this he replied, “Smh. Imagine.”

For non-texters...Smh = shaking my head

Happy Valentine's Day!

I remember one Valentine’s Day that happened to coincide with me being in a relationship.  I finally had a man on the right day of the year and I was going to make the most of it.  But everything that day was chaotic and ridiculous: a lot of traffic and driving, the production of “getting ready”, selecting a restaurant with an hour wait, getting home very late and dreading work the next day.  At the end of the day, we were just two tired people, manipulated by aggressive marketing and bending to social norms; me with my high expectations and him ambivalently going along.

We made it to the restaurant and settled at the bar.   We began to chat like the good friends that we were instead of the possessed maniacs we had become.  It helped that the restaurant had a lovely piano bar.  The musician was warm and pleasant and smiled to himself and everyone passing by.  As we waited, my boyfriend talked about a number of things, but mostly about growing up in Chicago.   In a matter-of-fact way, he revealed something very personal and sad that happened in his family.  In that moment, I was not aware of the piano man and his songs, or the crowds of people, but only the words coming from his mouth, and oddly, the lack of expression on his face.  However, I was deeply affected by what he was saying.  He paused and said “I can see your eyes watering up and I really appreciate your care and concern.”   

What happened in that moment had nothing to do with cards, candy, balloons, flowers or jewelry.  It was simply a heartfelt exchange between two people.   It was a moment in which one soul connected with another without shame or pretense.  There was sharing and understanding.   And isn’t this what we all want, to be more fully known, understood and accepted? 

We live in a time in which so many are craving validation and the assurance that they really matter.  Why else would people go to such extreme attempts to be recognized?  We see this everywhere: at work and at home, among the rich and poor, in the media, in politics, at social events, at school and even in religious institutions.   

Fortunately, there is something that we can do.  We can initiate heartfelt exchanges with those around us.  We can take the time to look someone else in the eye and let them know that they matter by listening to their story without judgment.  We also have to be vulnerable and share our story with others.  It doesn’t have to be something sad and depressing.  I’ve revealed embarrassing missteps that resulted in raucous laughter.   

Whether you are alone, with friends, or partnered in some way, I wish you a Happy Heartfelt Exchange Day!  

Hydrangea

Iconic London

During my 10-day visit to London, I took over 300 photos using my IPhone.  Each night I would review the day's photos, marvel in my experiences and download the photos to my laptop.

In the spirit of travel and in celebration of good times, here are my favorite iconic photos of London. 

The Rain.  As if to protect me from a bad omen, I received many forewarnings of bad weather from friends and colleagues prior to my arrival. But the weather held up beautifully and there was only one day of relentless rain.  So here's to the London rain!  

The Tube.  One must know the Way Out (of the station) and remember to Mind the Gap!  The gap is a devious little space between the train track and the platform.  Along with automated station recordings, transit personnel stand on the platform and holler out "Mind the Gap!"

Many tube stations were air-raid shelters during World War II.  The deepest station in Central London is 41 meters (134 feet) below street level.  Theatre and musicals are advertised extensively in tube stations.  

Theatre.  Whenever I get back to London, I will always set aside time for the theatre.  I love the art form and nothing says London like a good ole British play.  I went to the Criterion Theatre to see The 39 Steps.

Inside the Criterion Theatre

The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge in the background.  I could have spent several days learning about the history of the Tower of London beyond the crown jewels, beefeaters and beheadings.  The Tower encompasses over 1,000 years of documented history.

I was at the Tower of London during the commemoration to mark 100 years since Britain's first involvement in World War I.  888,246 ceramic poppies were installed from July to November to commemorate the loss of British soldiers during the war.

The London Eye.  I have several photos of the Eye but this is my favorite.

The Thames River and a sightseeing cruise.  Visible from the waterfront is the Shard of Glass, London's 87-story skyscraper.

 The Millennium Bridge for pedestrians to walk across the Thames.

Although the cruise ended at Greenwich, I got off by the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey.   Did you know that there are about 3,000 bodies inside and the last burial was an unknown soldier?  Photos weren't allowed in most of Westminster Abbey except for the Cloisters.

These are from inside the Cloisters.  Some clergy and staff live within the Cloisters.

The astounding design, artwork and architecture of Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament and a little construction.

The Houses of Parliament late afternoon

Inside the Houses of Parliament where photos were allowed.

Museums.  The Charles Dickens Museum was once one of Dickens' London homes.  On this day, I discovered that street names may change from one block to the next and that numbers on the buildings aren't always sequential.  

The British Museum

                            

Red telephone booths.  These were just outside the British Museum.

 

Waterloo Station.  I took the train from Waterloo Station to Windsor.  Waterloo is big and busy but the mayhem was no different than Penn Station in New York City.

Now this isn't iconic but surprising and a little curious; the bikes parked outside of Waterloo Station.

Windsor Castle

The flag at full mast means that the Queen is home.

 Leaving Windsor as the sun sets...

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.  --lyrics to Taps















Eating My Way Around London

How could I blog about London and not highlight my food experiences?  There were many but I'm only touching upon those that were memorable or surprising in some way.   Most of these experiences were with my cousin Walden who was an exceptional host and tour guide.  

On my first night in London, the family took me to Durum.  Durum is a Turkish restaurant located in the Finchley section of London.  The appetizers and my lamb were very good. However, this hot mint tea after my meal was the star.  Made of hot water and mint, this simple tea was soothing and refreshing. 

I visited my first pub in Leicester Square.  By the way, Leicester sounds like Lester.  At the Bear and Staff Pub I had a delightful meal of fish and chips.  It came with mushy peas which I hear is common in these parts.  I liked them but if you don't like green peas or mashed up green peas, you will not like mushy peas.   The cod had just the right amount of batter made from their house ale.

Whilst in London, one should have a traditional afternoon tea.  We went to the Grosvenor Hotel in Central London near the Victoria tube station.  Cousin suspected they would have a good afternoon tea and I was inclined to believe him. The hotel entrance was stunning.

Here's what I learned about afternoon tea straight from the Grosvenor Hotel menu:

Whilst living in Woburn Abbey, during the nineteenth century, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is credited as the first person to have transformed afternoon tea in England into a late-afternoon meal rather than simple refreshment. 

I sampled from the tiers of sandwiches, scones and cakes.  My tea was Organic Earl Gray.  In spite of the decor, folks were dressed casually and it was child-friendly.  

Pubs abound in London.  Out of convenience, we went to the Liberty Bounds pub.  The food was decent and the plates were charming.  The pub is close to the Tower of London.  During the 16th and 17th century, prisoners were held at the Tower, walked to the scaffold and lost their heads.   

At the Bengal Lancer on Kentish Town Rd in London, I ate one of my favorite meals.  I had a vegetarian platter (Vegetable Thali).  A few items on the platter I couldn't pronounce but my taste buds were dancing.

My feet were aching as we entered the Royal Oak Windsor.  I had just toured the Windsor Castle. By the way, whenever the flag (top right side below) is flying at full mast, the Queen is home.

Don't let the royal name fool you.  The Royal Oak Windsor is another pub.  I was in the mood for a healthy and satisfying meal which I thought was not pub possible.  On the menu I saw salmon or sea bass with veggies.  I asked my waiter and he suggested the sea bass.  He said it came with a delicious wine sauce with shallots.  He spoke affectionately about dipping their hot bread into the sauce and offered to bring me out a basket of it.  He's also from Portugal so he may know a little about fish.  It was beautifully prepared and exceeded my expectations.  Well done mate...well done.

Have you ever tried baked Camembert?  I hadn't until I went to the Museum Tavern after a visit to the British Museum. It was served with toasted garlic bread and a cranberry sauce.  Simply sumptuous.  

On Thursday, my cousin was at home cooking a lovely Thanksgiving meal.  I went off on my own and visited the Charles Dickens Museum.  First, I went to the cafe and had a tartlet (quiche), salad and tea.  It was unremarkable.  The cafe only took cash but the bookstore allowed payment by credit card.  I had to go there anyway to pay for the museum entrance fee.  I was given a sticky note receipt. Quite remarkable.   

The weekend after Thanksgiving, we toured the Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Between the two tours, the security guard at Westminster Abbey pointed us in the direction of food. We found several options on a sleepy side street many blocks away.  I reluctantly selected the Bamboo Basket.  It didn't seem particularly special. Realizing that every experience doesn't have to be extraordinary,  I decided to give it a go.  I was pleasantly surprised and loved the seafood soup and fried soft shell crabs.

A few hours later, after an audio tour of the Palace of Westminster, we stopped by the cafe to rest our weary feet before getting on the tube.  I had the prettiest vanilla latte.

A couple of days before leaving London, the family took me out for Italian at Zizzi Ristorante in the Finchley section of London.  We had appetizers of bruschetta, arancini (fried risotto balls with mozzarella) and calamari.  I also had one of their signature pizzas, the Primavera. The entire meal was spectacular.

 

 Cheers!